Portable, reusable, long-term, self-sustaining disaster relief structure

ABSTRACT

The subject matter described herein includes a transportable, self-sustaining house or structure for use in disaster relief comprising, a substantially rectangular, steel living section, a water tank connected to and placed on top of the occupied area, a sewer tank connected to and placed below the occupied area, a plurality of solar panels on top of the water tank, a plurality of lines configured for transferring fluid from the water tank to the occupied area and from the water tank to the sewage tank, a plurality of lines configured for transferring waste from the occupied area to the sewage section, wherein, in operation the structure is transported with a substantially empty water tank and charged battery.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed towards a self-sustaining disaster relief houses and structures. Specifically, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed towards a portable, self-sustaining, disaster relief house and structure that can be occupied for months and re-used for subsequent disasters.

BACKGROUND

With natural disasters on the rise over the last two decades, FEMA along with non-governmental organizations such as the Red Cross have been tasked with housing people who have been displaced by these natural disasters.

It is not uncommon to witness victims of natural disasters being shuffled from the floors of town hall to hotel rooms, to RVs, and other temporary living spaces, while FEMA houses are being built and equipped with utility services. This process can take as long as two to three months. It is one purpose of the present disclosure to stabilize the housing crisis created by natural disasters.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, concepts that are further described in the following detailed descriptions. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Disclosed herein is a transportable, self-sustaining structure for use in disaster relief including a substantially rectangular, steel occupied area, a water tank connected to and placed on top of the occupied area, a sewer tank connected to and placed below the occupied area, a plurality of solar panels on top of the water tank, a rechargeable battery and electrical system wired to receive and store electricity from the solar panels, at least one line configured for transferring fluid from the water tank to the occupied area and from the water tank to the sewage tank, at least one line configured for transferring waste from the occupied area to the sewage section, wherein, in operation the structure is transported with a substantially empty water tank and fully charged battery.

According to one or more embodiments, the sewer tank defines a “V” shaped angled floor to facilitate waste removal.

According to one or more embodiments, the structure includes a retractable awning.

According to one or more embodiments, the structure includes two lines configured for transferring fluid from the water tank to the sewage tank.

According to one or more embodiments, the structure includes two lines configured for transferring waste from the occupied area to the sewage tanks.

According to one or more embodiments, the structure includes a foldable porch.

According to one or more embodiments, the structure includes a top utility frame placed above the occupied area for receiving the water tank and solar panels.

According to one or more embodiments, the structure includes motorized roller shutters placed above the solar panels and configured for being closed remotely.

According to one or more embodiments, the structure includes insulation having an R-value between R12-R18.

According to one or more embodiments, the structure includes a bottom utility frame placed below the occupied area for receiving the sewage tank.

According to one or more embodiments, the sewage and water tanks have smart level measuring systems to indicate when levels are either too low or too high.

According to one or more embodiments a structure includes a water tank, an occupied area placed entirely below the water tank and connected to the water tank by one or more pipes, and a sewer tank having an inside and placed entirely below the occupied area and connected to the occupied area by one or more pipes, wherein the sewer tank is also connected to the water tank by one or more pipes, wherein the pipes are configured to only allow flow in a downward direction.

According to one or more embodiments, the structure includes a detachable top utility frame configured for receiving and securing the water tank and solar panels.

According to one or more embodiments, the structure includes a detachable bottom utility frame configured for receiving and securing the sewer tank.

According to one or more embodiments, the sewer tank includes a stabilizer tank, fixedly attached to a topmost portion of the inside of the sewer tank, wherein the stabilizer tank is configured for holding liquid and preventing the liquid from contacting the inside of the sewer tank.

According to one or more embodiments, the stabilizer tank is filled with fresh water prior to transporting the structure.

According to one or more embodiments, the sewer tank defines a “V” shaped angled floor to facilitate waste removal.

According to one or more embodiments a method of building and transporting a structure to a disaster relief area includes constructing a sewer tank with a separate stabilizer tank located inside the sewer tank, constructing a steel occupied area above the sewer tank, the occupied area having a bottom and top, placing an insulated floor board on the bottom of the occupied area, welding a water tank on the top of the occupied area, fitting solar panels above the water tank, connecting pipes between the occupied area and the water tank, the water tank and the sewer tank, the occupied area and the sewer tank, and the stabilizer tank and the water tank, filling the stabilizer tank with fresh water, loading the structure onto a truck, and delivering the structure to the disaster relief area.

According to one or more embodiments, the method includes adding a smart battery system to the occupied area, and connecting the smart battery system with the solar panels.

According to one or more embodiments, the method includes charging the smart battery system before delivering the structure to the disaster relief area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing, as well as the following Detailed Description of preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there is shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments; however, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed.

The embodiments illustrated, described, and discussed herein are illustrative of the present invention. As these embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to illustrations, various modifications or adaptations of the methods and or specific structures described may become apparent to those skilled in the art. It will be appreciated that modifications and variations are covered by the above teachings and within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and intended scope thereof. All such modifications, adaptations, or variations that rely upon the teachings of the present invention, and through which these teachings have advanced the art, are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Hence, these descriptions and drawings should not be considered in a limiting sense, as it is understood that the present invention is in no way limited to only the embodiments illustrated.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a structure, according to one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2 is an interior view of a section of the structure, according to one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3 is an interior view of a sewer tank of the structure, according to one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 is a perspective of the structure, according to one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sewer tank, according to one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the back of the structure, according to one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the sewer tank, according to one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the structure, according to one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a bottom utility frame, according to one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the structure, according to one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the structure, according to one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 12 is a cross-section view of the sewer tank, according to one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

These descriptions are presented with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. These descriptions expound upon and exemplify particular features of those particular embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matters. Although the term “step” may be expressly used or implied relating to features of processes or methods, no implication is made of any particular order or sequence among such expressed or implied steps unless an order or sequence is explicitly stated.

Any dimensions expressed or implied in the drawings and these descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to such exemplary dimensions. The drawings are not made necessarily to scale. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to the apparent scale of the drawings with regard to relative dimensions in the drawings. However, for each drawing, at least one embodiment is made according to the apparent relative scale of the drawing.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are now described.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in the subject specification, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a device” can include a plurality of such devices, and so forth.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of components, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the instant specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.

As used herein, the term “about”, when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, area, volume, concentration, and/or percentage can encompass variations of, in some embodiments +/−20%, in some embodiments +/−10%, in some embodiments +/−5%, in some embodiments +/−1%, in some embodiments +/−0.5%, and in some embodiments +/−0.1%, from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate in the presently disclosed subject matter.

As shown in FIG. 1, disclosed herein is a temporary, self-sustainable, disaster relief structure 100 that may be self-sustaining for a minimum period of 30 days. Ideally, fresh water, electricity, gas and sewer capabilities will allow for at least 45 days of consecutive habitability.

At least one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter is illustrated throughout the drawings and in particular reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 illustrates a structure 100 having four integral components, namely solar panels 110 with smart battery technology, a 5000-gallon potable water tank 120, an oversized living or workspace section occupied area 130 resembling a modular construction design structure, and a 5000-gallon sewage tank 140.

As shown in FIG. 1, the structure 100 includes three layers, the water tank 120, a living or workspace section occupied area 130, and the sewage tank 140. According to one or more embodiments, solar panels 110 are placed on top of the water tank 120, and can rotate to accommodate the position of the sun, thereby maximizing solar exposure.

The structure 100 is made up of multiple parts connected. A top utility frame 115 is configured for receiving and securing a 5000-gallon potable water tank 120 and solar panels 110. The top utility frame 115 connects to the occupied area 130. The occupied area 130 may be, for example, an oversized shipping container. A bottom utility frame 135 is configured for receiving and securing a 5000-gallon sewage tank 140. The utility frames 115, 135 are detachable for maintenance or replacement purposes if the tanks 120, 140 or solar panels 110 are damaged. The electrical, potable water and sewer systems are connected using quick coupling connectors for easy replacement in case of any failures or damage.

The solar panel system 110 is fitted on top of the potable water tank 120. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a battery 150 with a smart technology management system is fitted inside a utility room 160 in a part of the occupied area 130. The smart battery system 150 supplies electrical power to all appliances, lights and other electricity consuming devices. According to one or more embodiments, the occupied area 130 measures 14 ft width by 50 ft length by 13 ft height. According to another embodiment, the occupied area 130 measures 14 ft width by 50 ft length by 9 ft height. When constructing the structure 100, the sewer tank 140 is manufactured first. The living or workspace section occupied area 130 is then constructed on top of the sewer tank 140.

Once the modular steel occupied area 130 with interior and exterior wall frames is completed, an insulated floorboard 133 is installed as shown in FIG. 9. After this step, the manufactured potable water tank 120 is placed on top of the occupied area 130 and welded together forming a strong and durable heavy-duty steel frame. An additional layer of insulation is added to the top and bottom of the potable water tank 120 and the sewage tank 140.

The insulated potable water tank 120 is fitted with an in-line pressure pump to ensure adequate water pressure throughout the structure 100. Two heating elements are fitted into each tank to prevent the water and sewage from freezing. As seen in FIG. 7, a separate potable water pipeline 170 with pressure pump is directly connected from the potable water tank 120 to the sewage tank 140. This ensures the sewer tank can be properly flushed when a vacuum truck removes sewage from the sewage tank 140. The potable water tank 120 can be filled using a potable water tanker truck.

The fresh water system 120 and sewer system 140 are connected by a 3 inch pipe 170 coupled to a pressure booster pump to ensure all sewage is removed, and to properly empty the sewer tank system 140 when the vacuum truck gets connected to the sewage tank outlet valve 230 shown in FIG. 11.

The fresh water and sewer systems are designed to accommodate a family of six or persons under normal living conditions for approximately forty-five (45) days. Ideally, the fresh water is replenished every thirty (30) days. Ideally, the sewage tank is evacuated every thirty (30) days. Both the potable water tank 120 and sewer tank 140 are fitted with smart level measuring systems to alert a service team in advance should either the water needs replenished or the sewage need evacuated.

According to one or more embodiments, the walls of the 700 ft² steel frame structure are insulated to give an R12-R18 rating. An insulating material's resistance to conductive heat flow is measured or rated in terms of its thermal resistance or R-value; the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The R-value depends on the type of insulation, its thickness, and its density. The R-value of some insulation also depends on temperature, aging, and moisture accumulation. When calculating the R-value of a multilayered installation, the R-values of the individual layers are added.

Installing more insulation in the structure increases the R-value and the resistance to heat flow, however increasing the amount of insulation increases the cost of manufacturing the house. In general, increased insulation thickness will proportionally increase the R-value. However, as the installed thickness increases for loose-fill insulation, the settled density of the product increases due to compression of the insulation under its own weight. Because of this compression, loose-fill insulation R-value does not change proportionately with thickness.

An enclosed mini-split AC system is used to regulate the temperature in the climate-controlled occupied area 130. As seen in FIG. 4, the structure 100 is equipped with a 400-477 ft² fold-down porch 180 on the front side of the structure 100. According to one or more embodiments, a retractable awning 190 creates an extra outdoor living space where three sliding doors compliment the front side of the structure 100 and extend each room or rooms living capacity.

The Living or Workspace Occupied Area

The first step in building the occupied area 130 is to construct a strong modular design steel mainframe to ensure a lifespan of 50 years and that is rated for CAT 5 conditions. This allows the structure 100 to be transported to different disaster areas multiple times as needed. The structural integrity of the occupied area 130 and the self-sustainable structure 100 will not be jeopardized by the harshest transport conditions when it is moved back-and-forth from catastrophic events throughout the country.

Climate Control

The structure 100 is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, wind, and rain. Both tanks 120, 140 and the occupied area 130 are insulated to achieve this objective. According to one or more embodiments, the insulation has a minimum R-value of R18. A mini-split AC unit will control the inside temperature. The potable water tank 120 and sewer tank 140 are fitted with electrical heat elements to prevent freezing in subzero temperatures.

The top potable water tank 120 is fitted on the roof of the structure 100 and also acts as an insulating barrier preventing direct sun from heating the occupied area 130. The solar panels 110 are fitted on top of the potable water tank 120 forming a barrier against direct sun on the water tank 120. The sewer tank 140 is fitted underneath the occupied area 130 creating a barrier underneath the floor of the occupied area 130 providing insulation from the bottom. As seen in FIG. 7 for example, all water and sewer pipes 210 are insulated, encased and ducted to prevent the pipes 210 from freezing.

Electrical System

The battery and electrical system 150 is designed to produce enough electricity to supply all appliances, lights, and daily household needs continuously for a maximum of 5 days, when overcast weather conditions make it difficult for the solar panels 110 to recharge the battery system 150. The structure 100 is also equipped with a backup generator as an alternative source of electricity.

The electrical system operates as the solar panels 110 generate power to charge the smart battery system 150. The smart battery computer management system 150 regulates the charging of the battery or transfer of power directly to the appliances and controls the electrical feed as needed. If there is not enough sunlight to charge the batteries, a generator is used to ensure power is always available. A generator is not preferred, as the fuel will need to be replenished. Accordingly, the battery 150 should be shipped fully charged when the structure 100 is deployed.

Fresh Water System

The freshwater tank 120 holds more than 5000 gallons. The tank 120 is equipped with two inline high-pressure pumps to ensure adequate water pressure at all faucets and to meet the especially high demands of the showers. Ideally, the freshwater tank 120 is replenished every 30 days. The terms water tank, potable water tank, and freshwater tank are used interchangeably to describe the tank 120.

Smart Sewer System

The sewer tank 140 has a capacity of more than 5000 gallon. The sewer tank 140 is fitted underneath the living section 130. It is designed and manufactured to use a quick release coupling process, allowing a vacuum truck to remove the sewage every thirty days or as needed.

Two direct pressurized water lines 170 from the top potable water tank 120, which merge with each other, connected to both of the sidewalls of the sewer tank 140 and are fitted with high-pressure spray nozzles 220 every two feet as seen in FIGS. 7 and 9. Once the vacuum truck removes all sewage to the best of its ability, the pressurized water line valve allows water into the two water lines 170 and through the spray nozzles 220 to flush possible remaining sewage to the sewage outlet 230. This allows the sewer tank 140 to be flushed with clean water to ensure that the vacuum truck removes all the sewage. This system is helpful in ensuring the sewer tank 140 is evacuated completely.

According to one or more embodiments, on the top most portion of the inside of the sewer tank 140 is a 6″ deep, 1000-gallon stabilizer tank 145 as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 represent two different embodiments of the stabilizer tank 145. This fresh water stabilizer tank 145 provides two advantages. The first advantage is realized by filling the stabilizer tank 145 with fresh water prior to transporting the structure 100 to a disaster area. Upon arrival, fresh water can be pumped from the stabilizer tank 145 to the potable water tank 120. This will allow the new occupants to be functional immediately upon arrival.

The second advantage of the stabilizer tank 145 is that it acts as a ballast during transportation of the structure 100. The fresh water in the stabilizer tank 145 adds weight to the bottom half of the structure 100, thereby lowering the center of mass during transportation. This reduces the likelihood of the structure 100 tipping over while it is being transported. The potable water tank 120 cannot be filled with freshwater prior to transportation, as it will cause the structure 100 to be top heavy and too dangerous to transport.

Particular embodiments and features have been described with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that these descriptions are not limited to any single embodiment or any particular set of features, and that similar embodiments and features may arise or modifications and additions may be made without departing from the scope of these descriptions and the spirit of the appended claims.

These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above Detailed Description. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims. 

What is claimed:
 1. A transportable, self-sustaining structure for use in disaster relief comprising: a substantially rectangular, steel occupied area; a water tank connected to and placed on top of the occupied area; a sewer tank connected to and placed below the occupied area; a plurality of solar panels on top of the water tank; a rechargeable battery and electrical system wired to receive and store electricity from the solar panels; at least one line configured for transferring fluid from the water tank to the occupied area and from the water tank to the sewage tank; at least one line configured for transferring waste from the occupied area to the sewage section; wherein, in operation the structure is transported with a substantially empty water tank and fully charged battery.
 2. The structure of claim 1, wherein the sewer tank defines a “V” shaped angled floor to facilitate waste removal.
 3. The structure of claim 1, further comprising a retractable awning.
 4. The structure of claim 1, further comprising two lines configured for transferring fluid from the water tank to the sewage tank.
 5. The structure of claim 1, further comprising two lines configured for transferring waste from the occupied area to the sewage tanks.
 6. The structure of claim 1, further comprising a foldable porch.
 7. The structure of claim 1, further comprising a top utility frame placed above the occupied area for receiving the water tank and solar panels.
 8. The structure of claim 1, further comprising motorized roller shutters placed above the solar panels and configured for being closed remotely.
 9. The structure of claim 1, further comprising insulation having an R-value between R12-R18.
 10. The structure of claim 1, further comprising a bottom utility frame placed below the occupied area for receiving the sewage tank.
 11. The structure of claim 1, wherein sewage and water tanks have smart level measuring systems to indicate when levels are either too low or too high.
 12. A structure comprising: a water tank; an occupied area placed entirely below the water tank and connected to the water tank by one or more pipes; and a sewer tank having an inside and placed entirely below the occupied area and connected to the occupied area by one or more pipes, wherein the sewer tank is also connected to the water tank by one or more pipes, wherein the pipes are configured to only allow flow in a downward direction.
 13. The structure of claim 12, further comprising a detachable top utility frame configured for receiving and securing the water tank and solar panels.
 14. The structure of claim 13, further comprising a detachable bottom utility frame configured for receiving and securing the sewer tank.
 15. The structure of claim 12, wherein the sewer tank comprises a stabilizer tank, fixedly attached to a topmost portion of the inside of the sewer tank, wherein the stabilizer tank is configured for holding liquid and preventing the liquid from contacting the inside of the sewer tank.
 16. The structure of claim 15, wherein the stabilizer tank is filled with fresh water prior to transporting the structure.
 17. The structure of claim 12, wherein the sewer tank defines a “V” shaped angled floor to facilitate waste removal.
 18. A method of building and transporting a structure to a disaster relief area comprising: constructing a sewer tank with a separate stabilizer tank located inside the sewer tank; constructing a steel occupied area above the sewer tank, the occupied area having a bottom and top; placing an insulated floor board on the bottom of the occupied area; welding a water tank on the top of the occupied area; fitting solar panels above the water tank; connecting pipes between the occupied area and the water tank, the water tank and the sewer tank, the occupied area and the sewer tank, and the stabilizer tank and the water tank; filling the stabilizer tank with fresh water; loading the structure onto a truck; and delivering the structure to the disaster relief area.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising adding a smart battery system to the occupied area; and connecting the smart battery system with the solar panels.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising charging the smart battery system before delivering the structure to the disaster relief area. 